Collaborative Care in Primary Care: Substance Misuse

Course overview

Substance use has led to increased rates of death due to overdose and sky-rocketing costs for substance use-related crime, violence, and health burdens. Making matters worse, research shows there are low rates of treatment. Primary care is the setting through which most individuals access the healthcare system, making it the prime setting for identifying and initiating substance use disorder treatment. Integrating treatment professionals into the primary care setting can enhance the quality and effectiveness of substance use services, leading to better patient outcomes and lower costs. The goal of this course is to educate physicians, physician assistants, and nurses in all healthcare settings on how to address substance use problems in the context of collaborative care.